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Dulcea's Rebellion #1
Immortal Defiance
Some things never die. Hope. Heroes. Defiance.
Things take a strange turn for Dulcea, the elven enchantress turned war heroine and Dragonmistress, when a countryman's betrayal lands her in enemy hands.
As she awaits her execution, a stranger with mysterious powers offers her another chance at life. Will she die here or risk what sinister fate he has in store for her?
Can Dulcea reclaim her rightful place and lead her army once more? Or does Krath, the man who travels the Realm of the Dead as one of its own, prove to be the obstacle that fells her rebellion?
… Or will this immortal vampire warrior turn out to be the best chance she has of defying the ancient evil arising in the west?
Things take a strange turn for Dulcea, the elven enchantress turned war heroine and Dragonmistress, when a countryman's betrayal lands her in enemy hands.
As she awaits her execution, a stranger with mysterious powers offers her another chance at life. Will she die here or risk what sinister fate he has in store for her?
Can Dulcea reclaim her rightful place and lead her army once more? Or does Krath, the man who travels the Realm of the Dead as one of its own, prove to be the obstacle that fells her rebellion?
… Or will this immortal vampire warrior turn out to be the best chance she has of defying the ancient evil arising in the west?
378 pages, ebook
Published October 10, 2019
146 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Laura Maybrooke
6 books75 followers“I live in my own little world. But it’s ok, they know me here.” (Who besides me has this fridge magnet; raise your hand!)
That’s sometimes what it feels like. Who says stories aren’t real? I live in the land of the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights, together with my husband and daughter, and a cast of fantasy characters running around in my head. It’s busy here. Care to stay and chat a while?
Laura Maybrooke is an 80s’ child, who works too much and writes too little, but who’ll never say no to a thrilling romance, a high fantasy adventure, or a cookbook full of delicious treats she’d like to bake one day.
That’s sometimes what it feels like. Who says stories aren’t real? I live in the land of the Midnight Sun and Polar Nights, together with my husband and daughter, and a cast of fantasy characters running around in my head. It’s busy here. Care to stay and chat a while?
Laura Maybrooke is an 80s’ child, who works too much and writes too little, but who’ll never say no to a thrilling romance, a high fantasy adventure, or a cookbook full of delicious treats she’d like to bake one day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 12, 2020
An ARC was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
So what did I think about Immortal Defiance... . This book produced so many mixed feelings inside me that I don't know how to best summarize my thoughts. On one hand I really liked the world-building. I love epic fantasies and the idea of a rebellion with many politics entwined in a fantasy setting was very appealing to me. However, the execution left much to be desired. Yes, Immortal Defiance has an interesting story, but it gets so dull sometimes it makes you wonder if it is really worth it. The story is told through flashbacks, and as much as I love jumping in time as it really makes for an interesting plot when done well, in this book it just bothered me. The flashbacks here were confusing and often threw me out of the story.
The relationship between the MC and the almighty vampire was also very boring for me. I expected a strong and capable rebellious queen and instead got a whining girl who didn't really grow on me as the book progressed.
I must say that even though I appreciated the world-building and the fantasy setting, I couldn't really bring myself to love the book or to really care for the characters hence the 3 stars rating.
I would still recommend this book for fantasy readers, as many people have a lot of love for vampires and a great deal more patience than me.
So what did I think about Immortal Defiance... . This book produced so many mixed feelings inside me that I don't know how to best summarize my thoughts. On one hand I really liked the world-building. I love epic fantasies and the idea of a rebellion with many politics entwined in a fantasy setting was very appealing to me. However, the execution left much to be desired. Yes, Immortal Defiance has an interesting story, but it gets so dull sometimes it makes you wonder if it is really worth it. The story is told through flashbacks, and as much as I love jumping in time as it really makes for an interesting plot when done well, in this book it just bothered me. The flashbacks here were confusing and often threw me out of the story.
The relationship between the MC and the almighty vampire was also very boring for me. I expected a strong and capable rebellious queen and instead got a whining girl who didn't really grow on me as the book progressed.
I must say that even though I appreciated the world-building and the fantasy setting, I couldn't really bring myself to love the book or to really care for the characters hence the 3 stars rating.
I would still recommend this book for fantasy readers, as many people have a lot of love for vampires and a great deal more patience than me.
May 31, 2020
This is a well-written fantasy read and I enjoyed some parts much more than others.
The first in a new series this was a good start.
The bits here that were not for me were more about this not being quite the right book fit rather than anything actually wrong here.
I did actually think this was going to have a bit of romance included and it didn't though I was starting to get a maybe more vibe near the finish of this so we will see.
So as I said fantasy read and this is dual POV,
This focuses on Dulcia Lightbringer a silver Elvin enchantress and dragon-lady she is the face of the revolution fighting back against the tyranny of the Sarusean's.
when she is betrayed and captured by her enemies her almost unwilling saviour comes in a most unlikely form, Krath Lord of Gwyndoorn a centuries-old powerful immortal.
So out of the hands of her enemies into another form of bondage as her new captor's guest in his isolated and forgotten castle.
This bit of things was ever so interesting and I loved how Krath and Dulcia clashed wits together.
Krath seems almost grateful for the break-in his long monotony and Dulcia is definitely no swooning maiden to faint and scream in his mighty presence.
I really did like the ongoing dynamic these two shared with each other.
This also had impressive world-building though there were times things could get slightly confusing with all the various names and places mentioned.
The flashbacks to the past I also found a bit disorienting and they did disrupt the flow of the story for me somewhat.
I myself would have much prefered a more forward-focused timeline than the jumps to the past we were given
The old-style narration I liked, it had such a lyrical quality to it that I really did appreciate and I felt it fitted the story.
If I'm honest all the war talk I found a tad tiresome it's just not my bag, but the interactions between Krath and Dulcia did make up for this.
I looked forward to there liaisons and animated dissuasions.
This is most definitely a very clean read and would be a fit for fantasy fans who like the old- world type of storytelling.
I don't think I will be continuing further with this one, not because it's not a good read, it just wasn't what I thought it was going to be and is more heavily slanted towards the fantasy genre where I prefer my fantasy with a heavy dose of romance, which this didn't have.
So this one had highs and lows for me, a mixed bag of tricks and though it wasn't quite my usual fare I did enjoy it somewhat and it was definitely well written.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Immortal Defiance (Dulcea's Rebellion, #1).
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
October 10, 2021
I received a gifted copy of this book to listen to in exchange for an honest review via the author.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Immortal Defiance is the first book in a new fantasy series by Laura Maybrooke. This is the first book by this author that I have read/listened to, and I can't wait to see where this story will take me to in book 2.
We meet Dulcea - an Elven Queen who is also the leader of a rebellion and who gets kidnapped and is on the cusp of being murdered, when Krath manages to save her from this fate. Told in flash backs, we learn about how the rebellion started and why and ultimately what lead to Dulcea being kidnapped too. The beginning of this book was rather slow and was mostly setting the scene, but once it picked up speed, it was fantastic and I struggled to pull myself away from listening to it.
The fantasy world Laura has created is amazing, and so vividly detailed from start to finish. The characters are fresh and diverse and I loved the relationship development between Dulcea and Krath.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
Immortal Defiance is the first book in a new fantasy series by Laura Maybrooke. This is the first book by this author that I have read/listened to, and I can't wait to see where this story will take me to in book 2.
We meet Dulcea - an Elven Queen who is also the leader of a rebellion and who gets kidnapped and is on the cusp of being murdered, when Krath manages to save her from this fate. Told in flash backs, we learn about how the rebellion started and why and ultimately what lead to Dulcea being kidnapped too. The beginning of this book was rather slow and was mostly setting the scene, but once it picked up speed, it was fantastic and I struggled to pull myself away from listening to it.
The fantasy world Laura has created is amazing, and so vividly detailed from start to finish. The characters are fresh and diverse and I loved the relationship development between Dulcea and Krath.
November 7, 2019
Full Review on my blog!
Hmmm.. where do I begin? This book wasn't what I was expecting after reading the blurb. It had a slow start, but quickly picked up.
Immortal Defiance is a great start to a new series by Laura Maybrooke. It starts with Dulcea, the elven queen and leader of the rebellion being kidnapped and threatened with death, until Krath saves her. I can't wait to see where this relationship will go in the next book!
I loved the characters, and the world the author created is so in-depth and detailed. It was different and fresh. This is a story about rebellion and betrayal. It is written with flashbacks, that explained the rebellion and what lead to Dulcea's kidnapping. Very interesting twists and turns that I dont want to spoil! I recommend it!
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Hmmm.. where do I begin? This book wasn't what I was expecting after reading the blurb. It had a slow start, but quickly picked up.
Immortal Defiance is a great start to a new series by Laura Maybrooke. It starts with Dulcea, the elven queen and leader of the rebellion being kidnapped and threatened with death, until Krath saves her. I can't wait to see where this relationship will go in the next book!
I loved the characters, and the world the author created is so in-depth and detailed. It was different and fresh. This is a story about rebellion and betrayal. It is written with flashbacks, that explained the rebellion and what lead to Dulcea's kidnapping. Very interesting twists and turns that I dont want to spoil! I recommend it!
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
November 22, 2019
IMMORTAL DEFIANCE by Laura Maybrooke ticked every one of my fantasy boxes, immortal beings of mystery, a powerful and determined enchantress, a possible unlikely romance slowly brewing and, of course, the ancient battle of good versus evil.
Ms. Maybrooke has a fabulous tale to tell, filled with atmosphere, the dialogue between the two main characters seems to be the meat of this tale as their interactions builds a connection between them. For me, there was too much telling, too much stiffness in sentences too weighted down with embellishments where a few words would suffice.
Told in dual POVs, there is an interesting dynamic growing between characters that begs to be delved into further, but again, the weight of the words used seemed to be better suited in a more poetic setting and not in a full length novel. That said, I do look forward to more from Laura Maybrooke and these strong characters. Perhaps now that the world-building has been established, there will be time for more movement and an easier flow!
I received a complimentary copy from Laura Maybrooke. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Dulcea's Rebellion - Book 1
Publisher: Laura Maybrooke (October 10, 2019)
Publication Date: October 10, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 378 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Ms. Maybrooke has a fabulous tale to tell, filled with atmosphere, the dialogue between the two main characters seems to be the meat of this tale as their interactions builds a connection between them. For me, there was too much telling, too much stiffness in sentences too weighted down with embellishments where a few words would suffice.
Told in dual POVs, there is an interesting dynamic growing between characters that begs to be delved into further, but again, the weight of the words used seemed to be better suited in a more poetic setting and not in a full length novel. That said, I do look forward to more from Laura Maybrooke and these strong characters. Perhaps now that the world-building has been established, there will be time for more movement and an easier flow!
I received a complimentary copy from Laura Maybrooke. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Series: Dulcea's Rebellion - Book 1
Publisher: Laura Maybrooke (October 10, 2019)
Publication Date: October 10, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 378 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 16, 2020
How I love to see a great slow burn romance these days! Especially one that is enemies to friends / lovers one. I love the delicious hints of more, the torturous anticipation for more. I get it, the steamy stuff sells, but I I love Krath and Dulcea's relationship for being just the opposite. I do hope they'll share a kiss or two (or more) the next book, but tease me with it!
This is an interesting mix of paranormal and high fantasy. I'm intrigued by the premise that perhaps the war our heroine is fighting is doomed from the start. Is her justice selfish? Maybe it is.
I'm intrigued to see where it leads.
This is an interesting mix of paranormal and high fantasy. I'm intrigued by the premise that perhaps the war our heroine is fighting is doomed from the start. Is her justice selfish? Maybe it is.
I'm intrigued to see where it leads.
May 2, 2021
So far, I have been on a fortunate streak of reading some very well-written and enchanting books. I am happy to report that the streak has continued with the high fantasy-romance "Immortal Defiance", which is Book #1 in the "Dulcea's Rebellion" trilogy by author Laura Maybrooke. This was an excellent read.
If I begin with what I felt were areas for opportunity in the book, I can get onto the bulk of this review, which speaks to what I loved about it. And of course, there was a lot to love! The book was still a five-star read for me, despite any challenges. This novel had so many exceptional qualities I could not give it a lesser rating.
So: here comes a quibble I've noted in some other previous outstanding fantasy novels I've read. A character list / maps, potentially an appendix, and whatever other aids required for readers to be able to comprehend the author's incredible detailed worldbuilding, vast array of fascinating major and minor characters, and keep up with where those characters are travelling throughout the narrative, is simply a MUST for high fantasy. "Dulcea's Rebellion" was absent such aids, and they could have really helped me enjoy the book even more!
The only other issue was not the flashbacks themselves - I actually commend Maybrooke on using such a device, and I have read other books where I have really liked, where they are employed quite effectively. Overall, Maybrooke's use of them was quite effective too. It was the TIMING of the flashbacks that threw me off a bit sometimes in terms of where I was in the story, because of what juncture in the story the particular flashback was inserted. This was not for every flashback, certainly, just a couple.
Yet, this book was so much bigger than the sum of its parts. The narrative, prose, and characters were astounding. It's very much a slow burn plot. The stellar build-up and tension definitely hit all the right notes for me. Moreover, Maybrooke writes in that quaint, old-world manner that I adore. It's not archaic by any means, but it strikes just the tone I require to really get into a high fantasy book. And Krath is on track to become one of my favourite all-time vampires (and I have read about a LOT of vampires in my 52 years) and favourite fantasy characters. He's objective, brutal, and dazzlingly dangerous and charming.
The book centres on Dulcea, an Elvish noblewoman, enchantress, and dragon-lady, and Krath, an immortal vampire, who is the reclusive Lord of a mysterious castle and surrounding lands known as Gwyndoorn. Dulcea is a rebel war-leader, who leads a revolution to free lands from the oppression of the Sarusean Regime. Karth wages his own personal war against Sarusean tyranny, but the two are still unlikely to become friends. While Dulcea is supported by willing, autonomous allies, with armies of their own, Karth has only thralls at his disposal to aid him in his solitary mission to combat evil. That is, except for one, very important and powerful friend, whom I won't speak of, so as not to spoil things.
Yes, there are some comfortable tropes here, but Maybrooke writes so well, you will forget about the familiarity of those tropes, and just be wrapped up in what is a great story. There is a fantastic, chilling sequence near the beginning of the novel, that makes us really fear for the noble Dulcea. Because of what happens to her after this scene, the ambiguous Karth comes into her life, and things are never the same again.
I could rave about the awesome, intricate worldbuilding created by Maybrooke. There are great secondary characters, colourful warring factions, various races including dwarven, eleven, human, and dragon, unique nations, and a highly detailed and immersive backstory & history to it all, complete with dates of major events (which the reader will see during the headers for the flashbacks).
Yet, makes this book tick is Dulcea and Karth. Wow! Could not get enough of their banter, clash of wills and wits, and divergent philosophies. This was simply delightful, and my favourite element of the novel. I had to keep reading, compulsively, just to see what they would say to each other next, and what would happen between them. Their relationship will truly suck the reader into the book.
Dulcea and Karth have tender moments, tense moments fraught with animosity and the potential for violence, and introspective moments, where they learn much about themselves, and each other. Though the formidable Karth has Dulcea at a distinct disadvantage for much of the story, Dulcea is intelligent, brave, and not one to be docile in the face of opposition. Her pure nobility, contrasted with Karth's sometimes questionable ethics, or ambivalence, shines through. But Karth's logic, pragmatism, and innate sense of justice make him ultimately likeable. All of Maybrooke's characters, highlighted by the two main ones, are very, very well done, and believable.
Beyond the principal characters, and how their relationship develops, there is more than enough intrigue, including questions surrounding the beautiful Dulcea's potential suitors, a betrayal, fragile alliances, and how magical weapons will be used, to keep things very interesting in the book.
I had heard so many positive things about Maybrooke's writing that I went ahead and purchased the entire trilogy of "Dulcea's Rebellion." After reading "Immortal Defiance", I'm so happy I did! I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
Well done Laura Maybrooke!
If I begin with what I felt were areas for opportunity in the book, I can get onto the bulk of this review, which speaks to what I loved about it. And of course, there was a lot to love! The book was still a five-star read for me, despite any challenges. This novel had so many exceptional qualities I could not give it a lesser rating.
So: here comes a quibble I've noted in some other previous outstanding fantasy novels I've read. A character list / maps, potentially an appendix, and whatever other aids required for readers to be able to comprehend the author's incredible detailed worldbuilding, vast array of fascinating major and minor characters, and keep up with where those characters are travelling throughout the narrative, is simply a MUST for high fantasy. "Dulcea's Rebellion" was absent such aids, and they could have really helped me enjoy the book even more!
The only other issue was not the flashbacks themselves - I actually commend Maybrooke on using such a device, and I have read other books where I have really liked, where they are employed quite effectively. Overall, Maybrooke's use of them was quite effective too. It was the TIMING of the flashbacks that threw me off a bit sometimes in terms of where I was in the story, because of what juncture in the story the particular flashback was inserted. This was not for every flashback, certainly, just a couple.
Yet, this book was so much bigger than the sum of its parts. The narrative, prose, and characters were astounding. It's very much a slow burn plot. The stellar build-up and tension definitely hit all the right notes for me. Moreover, Maybrooke writes in that quaint, old-world manner that I adore. It's not archaic by any means, but it strikes just the tone I require to really get into a high fantasy book. And Krath is on track to become one of my favourite all-time vampires (and I have read about a LOT of vampires in my 52 years) and favourite fantasy characters. He's objective, brutal, and dazzlingly dangerous and charming.
The book centres on Dulcea, an Elvish noblewoman, enchantress, and dragon-lady, and Krath, an immortal vampire, who is the reclusive Lord of a mysterious castle and surrounding lands known as Gwyndoorn. Dulcea is a rebel war-leader, who leads a revolution to free lands from the oppression of the Sarusean Regime. Karth wages his own personal war against Sarusean tyranny, but the two are still unlikely to become friends. While Dulcea is supported by willing, autonomous allies, with armies of their own, Karth has only thralls at his disposal to aid him in his solitary mission to combat evil. That is, except for one, very important and powerful friend, whom I won't speak of, so as not to spoil things.
Yes, there are some comfortable tropes here, but Maybrooke writes so well, you will forget about the familiarity of those tropes, and just be wrapped up in what is a great story. There is a fantastic, chilling sequence near the beginning of the novel, that makes us really fear for the noble Dulcea. Because of what happens to her after this scene, the ambiguous Karth comes into her life, and things are never the same again.
I could rave about the awesome, intricate worldbuilding created by Maybrooke. There are great secondary characters, colourful warring factions, various races including dwarven, eleven, human, and dragon, unique nations, and a highly detailed and immersive backstory & history to it all, complete with dates of major events (which the reader will see during the headers for the flashbacks).
Yet, makes this book tick is Dulcea and Karth. Wow! Could not get enough of their banter, clash of wills and wits, and divergent philosophies. This was simply delightful, and my favourite element of the novel. I had to keep reading, compulsively, just to see what they would say to each other next, and what would happen between them. Their relationship will truly suck the reader into the book.
Dulcea and Karth have tender moments, tense moments fraught with animosity and the potential for violence, and introspective moments, where they learn much about themselves, and each other. Though the formidable Karth has Dulcea at a distinct disadvantage for much of the story, Dulcea is intelligent, brave, and not one to be docile in the face of opposition. Her pure nobility, contrasted with Karth's sometimes questionable ethics, or ambivalence, shines through. But Karth's logic, pragmatism, and innate sense of justice make him ultimately likeable. All of Maybrooke's characters, highlighted by the two main ones, are very, very well done, and believable.
Beyond the principal characters, and how their relationship develops, there is more than enough intrigue, including questions surrounding the beautiful Dulcea's potential suitors, a betrayal, fragile alliances, and how magical weapons will be used, to keep things very interesting in the book.
I had heard so many positive things about Maybrooke's writing that I went ahead and purchased the entire trilogy of "Dulcea's Rebellion." After reading "Immortal Defiance", I'm so happy I did! I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
Well done Laura Maybrooke!
March 4, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this first of a fantasy/romance series. The relationship between Dulcea and Lord Krath definitely keeps you turning pages and wanting more. I was sad to see this part of their story end and am anxious for the next installment of the series.
I found it to be slow going at the beginning due to the switching back and forth to the backstory. I found myself having to go back and re-read passages to make sure I understood the who and whats.
I am grateful for the introduction to this author's work and look forward to reading more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I found it to be slow going at the beginning due to the switching back and forth to the backstory. I found myself having to go back and re-read passages to make sure I understood the who and whats.
I am grateful for the introduction to this author's work and look forward to reading more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2019
Immortal Defiance
This story was EVERYTHING! At first, I didn't care for switching between the past and present, but as I read, I could see why it was necessary. Is it wrong to say I love Lord Krath? There were times when the conversations that he and Dulcea had made me smile, get anxious, cringe and become hopeful. I can't wait to see where this relationship is going. I want them to be together. I feel Immortal Defiance is the foundational book for what will take place in the coming books and I'm eager to see what will happen between Dulcea and Amparo, and whether and how Krath will help or not. This is going to be an interesting trilogy.
Ps: Thoughts: Can Lord Krath fall in love? How does Myoden play a part in all of this? I was beginning to like him, but I think he will allow his jealousy to rule him.
This story was EVERYTHING! At first, I didn't care for switching between the past and present, but as I read, I could see why it was necessary. Is it wrong to say I love Lord Krath? There were times when the conversations that he and Dulcea had made me smile, get anxious, cringe and become hopeful. I can't wait to see where this relationship is going. I want them to be together. I feel Immortal Defiance is the foundational book for what will take place in the coming books and I'm eager to see what will happen between Dulcea and Amparo, and whether and how Krath will help or not. This is going to be an interesting trilogy.
Ps: Thoughts: Can Lord Krath fall in love? How does Myoden play a part in all of this? I was beginning to like him, but I think he will allow his jealousy to rule him.
October 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this read and it's a great start to the series. The world building was impressive, filled with intricate details. The author created a world full of creative fantasy characters which I enjoyed. I debated between 4 and 5 stars due to the flashbacks. I found them confusing and interrupt the story flow for me, however I did find it interesting and necessary to learn of Dulcuea's backstory so I went with 5 stars. I absolutely loved Lord Krath and I'm hoping for a saucy romance in book 2! This would be an excellent fit for those who enjoy old world, fantasy books.
June 8, 2021
"Immortal Defiance" is a well-written piece of high fantasy, with several enjoyable characters and an intriguing setting. My favorite parts were the interactions involving Krath and Dulcea, especially when they were at Gwyndoorn together. The flashback sections were a little less interesting, but fairly easy to follow. I was intrigued by the relationship between Dulcea and her dragons and hope we get to see more of that in book 2. Overall, a solid fantasy with a bit of romance.
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September 26, 2019
4 CRANKY STARS
Unfortunately, I can only give this story 4 stars. It is written with flashbacks that had me totally lost most of the time. The author created a really interesting world of elves, vampires, and other fantasy characters. But I had trouble keeping everything in order. The story went from the present back to years before, it was just too much for me. Granted, the chapters that were flashbacks were clearly labeled but if one is engrossed in the storyline it is bothersome.
I don’t wish to give the storyline away, so I’ll sum up the highlights. This is a story about rebellion and betrayal. It starts with the leader of a rebellion being kidnapped. She is Dulcea, the elven queen. Dragged off and threatened with death, she takes the only way out she can find. A mysterious stranger offers to save her and help her. When she finds out who he is, she is intrigued and terrified.
This is where it gets confusing. The rebellion is explained and the events leading up to the kidnapping are explained using those flashback chapters. Sometimes it jumps back 1 or 2 years and other times longer. The rebellion has been going on for 6 years, so I hope you understand why I kept losing my place in the story. I really wish this had been written in a more continuous fashion i.e. start with the start of the rebellion and gradually progress to kidnapping and what happened after. The ending left it open for a sequel but I’m in no hurry to read one.
Unfortunately, I can only give this story 4 stars. It is written with flashbacks that had me totally lost most of the time. The author created a really interesting world of elves, vampires, and other fantasy characters. But I had trouble keeping everything in order. The story went from the present back to years before, it was just too much for me. Granted, the chapters that were flashbacks were clearly labeled but if one is engrossed in the storyline it is bothersome.
I don’t wish to give the storyline away, so I’ll sum up the highlights. This is a story about rebellion and betrayal. It starts with the leader of a rebellion being kidnapped. She is Dulcea, the elven queen. Dragged off and threatened with death, she takes the only way out she can find. A mysterious stranger offers to save her and help her. When she finds out who he is, she is intrigued and terrified.
This is where it gets confusing. The rebellion is explained and the events leading up to the kidnapping are explained using those flashback chapters. Sometimes it jumps back 1 or 2 years and other times longer. The rebellion has been going on for 6 years, so I hope you understand why I kept losing my place in the story. I really wish this had been written in a more continuous fashion i.e. start with the start of the rebellion and gradually progress to kidnapping and what happened after. The ending left it open for a sequel but I’m in no hurry to read one.
February 16, 2020
At it's core, Immortal Defiance is a novel about the complex relationship between Dulcea Lightbringer and the vampire lord Krath. Pieced around the core of their relationship the author intertwines the story of an ongoing war and pieces of the main character's history.
The absolute star of this novel is the relationship between Krath and Dulcea. Not only were their conversations believable and entertaining, but there were some incredible questions presented by Dulcea as a means to communicate Krath's abilities to the reader. My favorite part of the novel was the first half wherein Dulcea was living in Krath's castle.
Flashbacks were utilized as a clever way to communicate the story without disrupting the relationship between Krath and Dulcea. I had a bit of a love hate relationship with them as I was often looking forward to getting back to the two main characters while reading those sections.
In comparison, the rest of the novel didn't quite hold up for me. The war scenes were told from a distance and Dulcea spoke of her dragon on occasion, but we saw very little interaction between them. Similarly, Duclea gave me the impression she had powerful magic, yet I never saw it used.
Over-all, the writing quality was quite good and I enjoyed the style of writing.
Even though my favorite part of the novel was the relationship between Krath and Dulcea, I think that it held back the other aspects of the novel as it felt like there was only a slight progression to the story beyond their relationship.
That said, I believe there were kernels of details planted by the author that I think will grow into interesting plot lines in the next novel.
Over-all, I do recommend this book and I will be getting the next novel as I'm curious to see where the author goes with this story.
The absolute star of this novel is the relationship between Krath and Dulcea. Not only were their conversations believable and entertaining, but there were some incredible questions presented by Dulcea as a means to communicate Krath's abilities to the reader. My favorite part of the novel was the first half wherein Dulcea was living in Krath's castle.
Flashbacks were utilized as a clever way to communicate the story without disrupting the relationship between Krath and Dulcea. I had a bit of a love hate relationship with them as I was often looking forward to getting back to the two main characters while reading those sections.
In comparison, the rest of the novel didn't quite hold up for me. The war scenes were told from a distance and Dulcea spoke of her dragon on occasion, but we saw very little interaction between them. Similarly, Duclea gave me the impression she had powerful magic, yet I never saw it used.
Over-all, the writing quality was quite good and I enjoyed the style of writing.
Even though my favorite part of the novel was the relationship between Krath and Dulcea, I think that it held back the other aspects of the novel as it felt like there was only a slight progression to the story beyond their relationship.
That said, I believe there were kernels of details planted by the author that I think will grow into interesting plot lines in the next novel.
Over-all, I do recommend this book and I will be getting the next novel as I'm curious to see where the author goes with this story.
November 10, 2023
Another reviewer mentioned how this book was a blend of epic fantasy (dragons, enchanters, power hungry priest lords) and PNR (vampires, basically), and I think that is a perfect description.
I LOVED the epic fantasy aspect—it’s clear the author put a lot of thought into the history of her world and how it works. I actually liked the flashbacks and how they provided a lot of background for characters and Dulcea’s motivation to lead a rebellion.
The first third of the story was quite gripping, with Dulcea constantly wondering how she could escape a powerful vampire’s clutches using her intellect since her powers were unavailable. The dynamic worked really well between her and Krath. After she could return to her camp, I liked the return to a more epic fantasy angle with sweeping armies and hunting down traitors.
The only thing I thought could have been smoother was the ending—it felt rather sudden and like it needed more of a “climax” moment with falling resolution. However, I am still looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book and how the conflict that was built up might resolve.
Overall, if you like epic fantasy *and* PNR, this is one of those unique stories that will satisfy both desires!
I LOVED the epic fantasy aspect—it’s clear the author put a lot of thought into the history of her world and how it works. I actually liked the flashbacks and how they provided a lot of background for characters and Dulcea’s motivation to lead a rebellion.
The first third of the story was quite gripping, with Dulcea constantly wondering how she could escape a powerful vampire’s clutches using her intellect since her powers were unavailable. The dynamic worked really well between her and Krath. After she could return to her camp, I liked the return to a more epic fantasy angle with sweeping armies and hunting down traitors.
The only thing I thought could have been smoother was the ending—it felt rather sudden and like it needed more of a “climax” moment with falling resolution. However, I am still looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book and how the conflict that was built up might resolve.
Overall, if you like epic fantasy *and* PNR, this is one of those unique stories that will satisfy both desires!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2020
The world building in this is fantastic; done a lot through flashbacks which I found pretty entertaining. This fantasy world is very rich and detailed, and I love these characters. They have a certain realness to them; I loved seeing friendships form in a natural way, evolving from distrust.
I definitely want to see how this story continues.
I definitely want to see how this story continues.
December 20, 2019
What I Loved: The two characters Dulcia and Krath have the best relationship in this book! Their banter back and forth was delightful. Dulcia is a strong, female lead in Immortal Defiance and Krath, as Lord of Gwyndoorn and an immortal, is a powerful presence. Together, they pushed and pulled just right making their personalities tangible and something I could connect with.
How I Felt: Immortal Defiance is written with time-jumps between the present and the past. It took me a while to get into the rhythm of this writing style, but once i got the hang of it, I found that I enjoyed seeing both pieces of the story.
The romance in this book left me wanting so much more. I love a slow burn romance, but I need it to pay off, so I am really looking forward to the second book in the series. I’m hoping for some steamy scenes!
There is a map provided in the beginning of this book which I feel is so important to include in a fantasy book. I referenced it a few times just to get my bearings on where things were in the land.
Laura Maybrooke’s writing is detailed and drew me in. I found at times that a bit too much information may have been given, but I expect that as the series continues, this will clean up a bit as the reader gets to know the characters, world, and history.
Overall, I found the story to be extremely interesting. For a fantasy book, this hits all the things I love to see: immortal beings, old world feel, vampires, and so much more. The relationship between Krath and Dulcia was my favorite part of this story. Their back and forth conversations were fabulous! I want so many more of them and I’m looking forward to what book 2 will bring!
To Read or Not To Read: Fantasy readers that enjoy the history in the story will be engrossed in this book! It’s perfect for them!
As prisoner in a carriage with no idea of her captives, we, the reader are introduced to Lady Dulcea, and elven enchantress. As she is led to an unknown underground city, she realizes that she is in the hands of the enemy.
What's This Book About Anyway?
Sentenced to death, it looks as though her end has come, but Lord Krath, an immortal, swoops in to save and kidnap her. She has traded one captor for another.
Lord Krath takes Dulcea back to his castle where he holds her captive. They spend a lot of time together, playing games, chatting, and providing the reader with some witty banter. Dulcea decides that she will stay as a captive of Krath, but hopes to find a way to escape someday.
With her country still in war after years of fighting, she knows that she must find a way to step up and take the lead of her rightful army. First she must find out how to escape Lord Krath, but is that really the right move?
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
All of my reviews can be found at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
How I Felt: Immortal Defiance is written with time-jumps between the present and the past. It took me a while to get into the rhythm of this writing style, but once i got the hang of it, I found that I enjoyed seeing both pieces of the story.
The romance in this book left me wanting so much more. I love a slow burn romance, but I need it to pay off, so I am really looking forward to the second book in the series. I’m hoping for some steamy scenes!
There is a map provided in the beginning of this book which I feel is so important to include in a fantasy book. I referenced it a few times just to get my bearings on where things were in the land.
Laura Maybrooke’s writing is detailed and drew me in. I found at times that a bit too much information may have been given, but I expect that as the series continues, this will clean up a bit as the reader gets to know the characters, world, and history.
Overall, I found the story to be extremely interesting. For a fantasy book, this hits all the things I love to see: immortal beings, old world feel, vampires, and so much more. The relationship between Krath and Dulcia was my favorite part of this story. Their back and forth conversations were fabulous! I want so many more of them and I’m looking forward to what book 2 will bring!
To Read or Not To Read: Fantasy readers that enjoy the history in the story will be engrossed in this book! It’s perfect for them!
As prisoner in a carriage with no idea of her captives, we, the reader are introduced to Lady Dulcea, and elven enchantress. As she is led to an unknown underground city, she realizes that she is in the hands of the enemy.
What's This Book About Anyway?
Sentenced to death, it looks as though her end has come, but Lord Krath, an immortal, swoops in to save and kidnap her. She has traded one captor for another.
Lord Krath takes Dulcea back to his castle where he holds her captive. They spend a lot of time together, playing games, chatting, and providing the reader with some witty banter. Dulcea decides that she will stay as a captive of Krath, but hopes to find a way to escape someday.
With her country still in war after years of fighting, she knows that she must find a way to step up and take the lead of her rightful army. First she must find out how to escape Lord Krath, but is that really the right move?
I received an advanced reader's copy of this book for free. I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
All of my reviews can be found at: https://shejustlovesbooks.com/
October 18, 2019
Lady Dulcea, the elven enchantress is betrayed by one of her own men when he gives her up to the enemy. Dulcea is taken away to enemy territory and sentenced to death.
Dulcea is saved from death by a vampire, Lord Krath who kidnaps her and takes her back to his castle. She spends her time at the castle playing games with Lord Krath.
Dulcea bides her time with Lord Krath she believes that as long as she is breathing then there is always a chance or way to escape and make her way back home to expose the one person who betrayed her before he does it again. Can Dulcea find a way to escape from Lord Krath? Will she ever see her home again?
Dulcea and her people have been in war for many years. Immortal Defiance tells about the war with flashbacks in between Dulcea and Krath's time together.
My favorite parts of Immortal Defiance are the times spent with Dulcea and Krath. I loved seeing them together and sort of wished more for these two as a couple maybe. But I did enjoy learning about Dulcea and her background story of who she was it was very interesting.
If you enjoy war stories and vampires then Immortal Defiance just may be the book for you.
Dulcea is saved from death by a vampire, Lord Krath who kidnaps her and takes her back to his castle. She spends her time at the castle playing games with Lord Krath.
Dulcea bides her time with Lord Krath she believes that as long as she is breathing then there is always a chance or way to escape and make her way back home to expose the one person who betrayed her before he does it again. Can Dulcea find a way to escape from Lord Krath? Will she ever see her home again?
Dulcea and her people have been in war for many years. Immortal Defiance tells about the war with flashbacks in between Dulcea and Krath's time together.
My favorite parts of Immortal Defiance are the times spent with Dulcea and Krath. I loved seeing them together and sort of wished more for these two as a couple maybe. But I did enjoy learning about Dulcea and her background story of who she was it was very interesting.
If you enjoy war stories and vampires then Immortal Defiance just may be the book for you.
April 30, 2021
Laura Maybrooke's Immortal Defiance, the first in the Dulcea's Rebellion Series, is a finely crafted story. It is a fantasy/romance/paranormal with everything from elves and vampires, to war, dragons and magic. I enjoyed the premise of the story and its slow-burning nature. The world-building is spectacular if sometimes a little confusing. The fantastic names of characters and cities were sometimes difficult to keep track of and Ms. Maybrooke's use of flashbacks sometimes felt jarring. The story itself was very satisfying and I would definitely recommend it. Book 2 has been added to my TBR list.
November 23, 2019
So, wow. This book starts at a very tense moment, where the protagonist is captive of her people's bitter enemy. She is then presented with a choice that will either save her or damn her, and she chooses.....I'm not gonna say what exactly because that might spoil things. I couldn't put the book down, which is why I read it in one sitting.
Anyhow, this fantasy novel is populated by humans, elves, vampires, and dragons. The world feels unique, which is good. Great read!
Anyhow, this fantasy novel is populated by humans, elves, vampires, and dragons. The world feels unique, which is good. Great read!
February 25, 2023
In her lead characters Dulcea and Krath, Ms. Maybrooke has created a fascinating friendship between two courageous but wildly different leaders, living in a frightening and fanciful world of dragons, magic, elven folk, and at least one vampire. Will they maintain their friendship or take it beyond that? I shall look forward to finding out what transpires in part 2 and 3 of "Dulcea's Rebellion."
February 19, 2020
Full disclosure: I was sent a free digital copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
It... didn't really do it for me, which is too bad, because it's a great premise and started out strong.
My complaints are threefold:
1. The flashback expositions just didn't work. I could see what they were meant to do, but I couldn't help but feel that there should be a more effortless way to do it. Instead they felt jarring, often interrupting bits of the story that I was otherwise interested in with background I was less interested in. It needed a better flow between sections with perhaps more strategically placed flashbacks or, even better, no flashbacks but rather some more trust in the reader to figure things out from subtler clues, or just telling the story from the beginning (I wondered if maybe there'd been a prequel that had been vivisected and scattered throughout this book as flashbacks).
2. This is nitpicky and minor, but there were some turns of phrase that were redundant like "the farther down they descended" and I got very tired of all the "fisting". The main character keeps clenching her hands into fists, which is fine, but it was described as "she fisted her hands" every time and while I would like to google and see if that is an appropriate use of the word, I also know enough not to google it. (edit: a friend reminded me that this IS an appropriate use of the word, but modern usage would make me suggest avoiding it. Still, not a hill I'm gonna die on.)
3. It drags through the last third. There's a lot of dialogue but not much action. I get that it's likely meant to be character building, but the last third of a book is perhaps not the place for it. I wondered if the book might be better served by being one very long book instead of three shorter ones, putting the character exposition near the end of the first third but with, hopefully, more exciting things following shortly thereafter. As it stands, I would be unlikely to go out and pay money for the second book after the dragging ending of the first, but if I had one big book, I would keep pushing through, hopefully to be wowed by the story arc as a whole.
This is a lot of complaining, but I strongly believe that Maybrooke has the spark of something and that none of the things I have complained about are irreversible and many of them will eventually fall away as Maybrooke further hones her craft. I write all of this not to be cruel on the internet, which I despise, but because I think Maybrooke has something here and, if she does read this, I hope she takes it as friendly constructive criticism. I really thought the opening was strong. I liked the whole mind-control-to-get-through-the-underworld thing. The question of whether the handmaidens are better off or not was intriguing. There was good stuff in here! I think it just needs a little more tightening up and perhaps a bit of rearranging.
It... didn't really do it for me, which is too bad, because it's a great premise and started out strong.
My complaints are threefold:
1. The flashback expositions just didn't work. I could see what they were meant to do, but I couldn't help but feel that there should be a more effortless way to do it. Instead they felt jarring, often interrupting bits of the story that I was otherwise interested in with background I was less interested in. It needed a better flow between sections with perhaps more strategically placed flashbacks or, even better, no flashbacks but rather some more trust in the reader to figure things out from subtler clues, or just telling the story from the beginning (I wondered if maybe there'd been a prequel that had been vivisected and scattered throughout this book as flashbacks).
2. This is nitpicky and minor, but there were some turns of phrase that were redundant like "the farther down they descended" and I got very tired of all the "fisting". The main character keeps clenching her hands into fists, which is fine, but it was described as "she fisted her hands" every time and while I would like to google and see if that is an appropriate use of the word, I also know enough not to google it. (edit: a friend reminded me that this IS an appropriate use of the word, but modern usage would make me suggest avoiding it. Still, not a hill I'm gonna die on.)
3. It drags through the last third. There's a lot of dialogue but not much action. I get that it's likely meant to be character building, but the last third of a book is perhaps not the place for it. I wondered if the book might be better served by being one very long book instead of three shorter ones, putting the character exposition near the end of the first third but with, hopefully, more exciting things following shortly thereafter. As it stands, I would be unlikely to go out and pay money for the second book after the dragging ending of the first, but if I had one big book, I would keep pushing through, hopefully to be wowed by the story arc as a whole.
This is a lot of complaining, but I strongly believe that Maybrooke has the spark of something and that none of the things I have complained about are irreversible and many of them will eventually fall away as Maybrooke further hones her craft. I write all of this not to be cruel on the internet, which I despise, but because I think Maybrooke has something here and, if she does read this, I hope she takes it as friendly constructive criticism. I really thought the opening was strong. I liked the whole mind-control-to-get-through-the-underworld thing. The question of whether the handmaidens are better off or not was intriguing. There was good stuff in here! I think it just needs a little more tightening up and perhaps a bit of rearranging.
March 28, 2024
Every rebellion needs a symbol. Humans need a leader with unmatched power who will make them believe that victory is possible. Supernatural creatures need something more. A Silver Elf, an enchantress, a dragonmistress of the golden dragons clan fits the role well.
“Immortal Defiance”, book one of the Dulcea's Rebellion series by Laura Maybrooke, begins with a bang. The leader of the rebels’ army has been kidnapped. Moreover, it seems that her own people have done it. And if that isn’t enough, when Dulcea the Lightbringer is ready to accept her fate – unavoidable death – she receives an offer which seems equally reckless to accept and to refuse.
I loved the way the author unfolded the story gradually, manoeuvring between the present moment and the past. It gave me the feeling of inclusion, and I grew more and more invested in Dulcea’s adventures.
Dulcea is a remarkable heroine. I can’t say that I like her. She is young – according to the elven standards – and thus, stubborn. She makes decisions based on her limited experience. Life proves that sometimes it would do her only good to listen to those more knowledgeable. And still, her persistence and strength of character are admirable. Besides, she has too much on her plate. The war against an ominous enemy. People’s expectations that she can’t betray. Her loyal army which she can’t let down. And on top of that, a mysterious man, whose intentions are unclear but whose allure is irresistible, shares something that threatens to waver her confidence in everything she has taken upon herself to accomplish.
“Immortal Defiance” opens the door to an incredible fantasy realm. People and magical creatures fight for their rights to live their lives as they choose rather than succumb to the intruder’s oppression. But along the constant challenge, while stepping into battles necessary for their cause to succeed, they suffer minor – or are these in fact the most significant ones? – misfortunes. They fall in love and suffer under the burden of an unrequited love. They cherish the news of their families whom during the wartime they don’t see often.
I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning of Dulcea’s story where the epic and the personal interweave in an absorbing narrative you don’t want to put down. I’ve already started reading book two, and I have no doubts that I’ll dive straight into book three once I finish it.
“Immortal Defiance”, book one of the Dulcea's Rebellion series by Laura Maybrooke, begins with a bang. The leader of the rebels’ army has been kidnapped. Moreover, it seems that her own people have done it. And if that isn’t enough, when Dulcea the Lightbringer is ready to accept her fate – unavoidable death – she receives an offer which seems equally reckless to accept and to refuse.
I loved the way the author unfolded the story gradually, manoeuvring between the present moment and the past. It gave me the feeling of inclusion, and I grew more and more invested in Dulcea’s adventures.
Dulcea is a remarkable heroine. I can’t say that I like her. She is young – according to the elven standards – and thus, stubborn. She makes decisions based on her limited experience. Life proves that sometimes it would do her only good to listen to those more knowledgeable. And still, her persistence and strength of character are admirable. Besides, she has too much on her plate. The war against an ominous enemy. People’s expectations that she can’t betray. Her loyal army which she can’t let down. And on top of that, a mysterious man, whose intentions are unclear but whose allure is irresistible, shares something that threatens to waver her confidence in everything she has taken upon herself to accomplish.
“Immortal Defiance” opens the door to an incredible fantasy realm. People and magical creatures fight for their rights to live their lives as they choose rather than succumb to the intruder’s oppression. But along the constant challenge, while stepping into battles necessary for their cause to succeed, they suffer minor – or are these in fact the most significant ones? – misfortunes. They fall in love and suffer under the burden of an unrequited love. They cherish the news of their families whom during the wartime they don’t see often.
I thoroughly enjoyed the beginning of Dulcea’s story where the epic and the personal interweave in an absorbing narrative you don’t want to put down. I’ve already started reading book two, and I have no doubts that I’ll dive straight into book three once I finish it.
March 5, 2020
A refreshing fantasy full of betrayal, intrigue and an Elven enchantress waging war for her people's freedom. But it's never that simple...
Immortal Defiance follows Dulcea Lightbringer, a silver elf enchantress and dragonmaster, who is leading a war against a great oppressor. A betrayal places Dulcea in the path of Krath, a vampire awash in mystery, who has an interest in her that surpasses her beauty.
The narrative follows two POVs, Dulcea and Krath, with Krath taking on more of a secondary role. The structure of the book is not chronological, as the timeline jumps bath and fourth over the course of Dulcea's, and the Rebellion's, history through the use of flashbacks. The time jumps are clearly labelled and do make sense over the course of the novel. However, as a personal preference, I wanted to stay in one "time" longer to get a better sense of the world. Instead, the flow was disrupted and it took me longer to feel like I understand the world in its current state.
The strength in this story comes from the characterization, world building, and dialogue. The author has created stunning interactions between the two main characters in particular, and the dialogue flows beautifully. The relationships between characters felt real, as if they are all individuals with their own wants and desires, and the natural progression of friendships is wonderful to see.
One aspect of the worldbuilding that was lacking was in the use of magic and magical creatures. Note that this may be a personal preference, however, as I enjoy learning the structure and mechanics behind magic in a new world. We get some information, but it felt like a tease for more. I hope the next installments expand on this area.
Immortal Defiance is a refreshing fantasy full of betrayal, intrigue, and strong characterization. There were points I laughed aloud, much to my embarrassment as I was not alone, or found myself grinning like a fool. Immortal Defiance is an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the next books in the series. I'll definitely be reading both once they become available.
I recommend the novel for those who like their fantasy with a healthy amount of worldbuilding, realistic characters, natural dialogue, and impressive prose.
This review can also be found on Reedsy Discovery!
https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/imm...
Immortal Defiance follows Dulcea Lightbringer, a silver elf enchantress and dragonmaster, who is leading a war against a great oppressor. A betrayal places Dulcea in the path of Krath, a vampire awash in mystery, who has an interest in her that surpasses her beauty.
The narrative follows two POVs, Dulcea and Krath, with Krath taking on more of a secondary role. The structure of the book is not chronological, as the timeline jumps bath and fourth over the course of Dulcea's, and the Rebellion's, history through the use of flashbacks. The time jumps are clearly labelled and do make sense over the course of the novel. However, as a personal preference, I wanted to stay in one "time" longer to get a better sense of the world. Instead, the flow was disrupted and it took me longer to feel like I understand the world in its current state.
The strength in this story comes from the characterization, world building, and dialogue. The author has created stunning interactions between the two main characters in particular, and the dialogue flows beautifully. The relationships between characters felt real, as if they are all individuals with their own wants and desires, and the natural progression of friendships is wonderful to see.
One aspect of the worldbuilding that was lacking was in the use of magic and magical creatures. Note that this may be a personal preference, however, as I enjoy learning the structure and mechanics behind magic in a new world. We get some information, but it felt like a tease for more. I hope the next installments expand on this area.
Immortal Defiance is a refreshing fantasy full of betrayal, intrigue, and strong characterization. There were points I laughed aloud, much to my embarrassment as I was not alone, or found myself grinning like a fool. Immortal Defiance is an enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the next books in the series. I'll definitely be reading both once they become available.
I recommend the novel for those who like their fantasy with a healthy amount of worldbuilding, realistic characters, natural dialogue, and impressive prose.
This review can also be found on Reedsy Discovery!
https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/imm...
June 6, 2020
This book is more of a fantasy saga which primarily focuses on two characters with complex backgrounds and includes a rebellion all of which necessitates peeks into the past to better understand what's happening now.
Dulcea is an enchantress known by her people as the Lightbringer. She left her people to become an enchantress, she returned a dragon lord and became their Lightbringer, High General and leader of their rebellion against the Saruseans. I liked how resourceful and strong she was, never giving up when she was captured. I was disappointed that some of that strength seemed to leave her once she was back with her army.
Lord Krath is a vampire changed long ago for one purpose (you'll have to read the story to find out what that is). He's been alone since the last of his progeny died over six hundred years ago, his only company his thralls. He tries to be a monster, but I found him a complex character I could enjoy despite his flaws.
When Dulcea is betrayed and turned over to the Saurseans to be sacrificed to their god Krath offers her a choice to take her chances with the Saurseans or him. After she chose him, he whisks her away on a terrifying journey through the netherworld to his castle where they play a bit of cat and mouse. He spends time with her and she spends her time hoping to keep his interest to: one keep herself alive and two figure out a way to escape. They end up playing a game of skill and make wagers while getting to know each other better.
There's danger and excitement but it seems to take the author a very long time to get through each phase of the story. While I love a long book, I don't like it when it FEELS like a long book and sometimes it felt like I was slogging through this story. While I liked seeing what happened in the past but the flow was very jarring, I wish the transitions had been smoother.
HUGE SPOILER ALERT
After ALL of that reading this story ends abruptly and unfinished and in a very unsatisfyingly way. I literally tossed my kindle down, I was so mad. A better break off point would have been, much earlier once she returned to her armies, in my opinion.
I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
Dulcea is an enchantress known by her people as the Lightbringer. She left her people to become an enchantress, she returned a dragon lord and became their Lightbringer, High General and leader of their rebellion against the Saruseans. I liked how resourceful and strong she was, never giving up when she was captured. I was disappointed that some of that strength seemed to leave her once she was back with her army.
Lord Krath is a vampire changed long ago for one purpose (you'll have to read the story to find out what that is). He's been alone since the last of his progeny died over six hundred years ago, his only company his thralls. He tries to be a monster, but I found him a complex character I could enjoy despite his flaws.
When Dulcea is betrayed and turned over to the Saurseans to be sacrificed to their god Krath offers her a choice to take her chances with the Saurseans or him. After she chose him, he whisks her away on a terrifying journey through the netherworld to his castle where they play a bit of cat and mouse. He spends time with her and she spends her time hoping to keep his interest to: one keep herself alive and two figure out a way to escape. They end up playing a game of skill and make wagers while getting to know each other better.
There's danger and excitement but it seems to take the author a very long time to get through each phase of the story. While I love a long book, I don't like it when it FEELS like a long book and sometimes it felt like I was slogging through this story. While I liked seeing what happened in the past but the flow was very jarring, I wish the transitions had been smoother.
HUGE SPOILER ALERT
After ALL of that reading this story ends abruptly and unfinished and in a very unsatisfyingly way. I literally tossed my kindle down, I was so mad. A better break off point would have been, much earlier once she returned to her armies, in my opinion.
I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2020
Picture me pleasently surprised by "Immortal Defiance", a fantasy book well grounded, that instead of centering on big fights and journeys, decides to center on the relationship between Dulcea, an elven enchantress, and Krath, a vampire.
At the beginning we find Dulcea in danger, betrayed by one of her own warriors and in the hands of her enemies. Enemies that are going to sacrifice her to their god, so she becomes his maid for all of eternity.
But then, out of the blue, Krath appears and saves her. Krath being a vampire and not very willing to let her go back to her war.
What follows is an interesting and enjoyable (and sometimes a little bit worrisome for me, Dulcea too willing to put herself under Krath's influence) story, Dulcea's fears and desires being shaped by her new acquaintance, a vampire that makes her see things in a new way. It is a nice touch that the author has decided to center on the characters and she has a knack to make them relatable and interesting, even if a little bit stereotypical.
The story (this is the first volume of a trilogy) is well developed, even if there are too many flashbacks to tell of what has come before, and sometimes I wished the plot developed faster, but these are minor quibbles. Also, Maybrooke's writing style is perfect for the genre, with a good balance between dialogues, description and a good care into developing the atmosphere and the scenery, the world in which the story happens.
A good fantasy book. And a nice first step into a new world full of mysteries and adventures waiting to happen.
The best: the relationships between the characters are well developed, and they feel alive; that Maybrooke can pull Dulcea and Krath's relationship off
The worst: the relationship between our two heroes sometimes falls into the worrisome, the masculine dominating the femenine (decide whatever you want about this); the plot could go faster
Further reading: this kind of books falls into the David Gemmell or Terry Pratchett (minus the humor) fold: good characters (and maybe not so much plot)
6/10
(English)
*Thank you to the author and booksirens for the copy*
At the beginning we find Dulcea in danger, betrayed by one of her own warriors and in the hands of her enemies. Enemies that are going to sacrifice her to their god, so she becomes his maid for all of eternity.
But then, out of the blue, Krath appears and saves her. Krath being a vampire and not very willing to let her go back to her war.
What follows is an interesting and enjoyable (and sometimes a little bit worrisome for me, Dulcea too willing to put herself under Krath's influence) story, Dulcea's fears and desires being shaped by her new acquaintance, a vampire that makes her see things in a new way. It is a nice touch that the author has decided to center on the characters and she has a knack to make them relatable and interesting, even if a little bit stereotypical.
The story (this is the first volume of a trilogy) is well developed, even if there are too many flashbacks to tell of what has come before, and sometimes I wished the plot developed faster, but these are minor quibbles. Also, Maybrooke's writing style is perfect for the genre, with a good balance between dialogues, description and a good care into developing the atmosphere and the scenery, the world in which the story happens.
A good fantasy book. And a nice first step into a new world full of mysteries and adventures waiting to happen.
The best: the relationships between the characters are well developed, and they feel alive; that Maybrooke can pull Dulcea and Krath's relationship off
The worst: the relationship between our two heroes sometimes falls into the worrisome, the masculine dominating the femenine (decide whatever you want about this); the plot could go faster
Further reading: this kind of books falls into the David Gemmell or Terry Pratchett (minus the humor) fold: good characters (and maybe not so much plot)
6/10
(English)
*Thank you to the author and booksirens for the copy*
October 30, 2020
I was super eager to read this one after seeing so much art of the characters - even though it took me a long time to get around to it!!
This was better written than many indie books I've read. (And I'm saying this as an indie author myself - I am just very particular & have high standards.) Laura definitely has potential, & her characters' stories and world are so well fleshed out!
However...I felt very much like we were dropped into the story long after it truly begun. There was so much background that seemed extremely important & like it would've had more driving conflict than this part of the story itself.
I also had some trouble with Dulcea & Krath's friendship - after all that happened between them, it didn't feel entirely believable that they would become friends. Much of their conversation seemed to be for the purpose of dropping information about their world or history, rather than moving the plot forward. I felt like overall the plot, pacing, & conflict were all rather weak, so it didn't keep me wanting to know what happened next.
The flashbacks were also jarring & felt clunky - and to be honest in most cases, probably unnecessary. Dulcea being a Dragonlord also felt a bit...underrepresented. I feel that if your character is someone so important/has such an ability (or title), that it should play a much larger role in the story. This is something I myself am working on fixing in my own books!
Overall the writing is good & there is a lot of potential here - it could just maybe use some tightening up. I have no doubt that as Laura keeps writing, she will blossom into an amazing author!
This was better written than many indie books I've read. (And I'm saying this as an indie author myself - I am just very particular & have high standards.) Laura definitely has potential, & her characters' stories and world are so well fleshed out!
However...I felt very much like we were dropped into the story long after it truly begun. There was so much background that seemed extremely important & like it would've had more driving conflict than this part of the story itself.
I also had some trouble with Dulcea & Krath's friendship - after all that happened between them, it didn't feel entirely believable that they would become friends. Much of their conversation seemed to be for the purpose of dropping information about their world or history, rather than moving the plot forward. I felt like overall the plot, pacing, & conflict were all rather weak, so it didn't keep me wanting to know what happened next.
The flashbacks were also jarring & felt clunky - and to be honest in most cases, probably unnecessary. Dulcea being a Dragonlord also felt a bit...underrepresented. I feel that if your character is someone so important/has such an ability (or title), that it should play a much larger role in the story. This is something I myself am working on fixing in my own books!
Overall the writing is good & there is a lot of potential here - it could just maybe use some tightening up. I have no doubt that as Laura keeps writing, she will blossom into an amazing author!
February 14, 2020
This book had an intriguing and unique plot which crosses genres between dark fantasy, epic fantasy and romance. I loved the concept of a dragon Queen meeting an Seductive vampire and the two finding out they have more in common than they first new. Also liked the idea of the ongoing revolution perhaps being a failed venture and that being presented to the dragon Queen who must decide then how to carry on.
My disappointment with the story includes a few items and may just be personal preference.
Having been a fan of the dragon riders of Pern series, I expected more interaction with the dragon and some description of the golden dragons as well .
When the narrator states that the vampire visits the dragon Queen because of her special abilities and talents in engaging dialog, then the author needs to deliver dialog that would convince the reader the vampire would choose the dragon Queen after 600 years of loneliness.
But still, I do think the author nailed a compelling relationship between the two characters and I wanted more. So that is why I read to the end of the book.
However, by the end, the plot resolutions I was hoping for never happened. The book's ending left me a little disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My disappointment with the story includes a few items and may just be personal preference.
Having been a fan of the dragon riders of Pern series, I expected more interaction with the dragon and some description of the golden dragons as well .
When the narrator states that the vampire visits the dragon Queen because of her special abilities and talents in engaging dialog, then the author needs to deliver dialog that would convince the reader the vampire would choose the dragon Queen after 600 years of loneliness.
But still, I do think the author nailed a compelling relationship between the two characters and I wanted more. So that is why I read to the end of the book.
However, by the end, the plot resolutions I was hoping for never happened. The book's ending left me a little disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 19, 2020
Reviewer’s Note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. With that said, the synopsis originally proposed insinuated a different plot than what was delivered, which I am pleasantly surprised and pleased about. So, onwards!
For the book being a debut novel and the first in the series, I think it was really well written and developed. We received, whilst slow especially in the beginning, fairly solid world building in this book, as well as development and insight to the characters. At first, I was hesitant regarding the flashbacks, but after a couple of chapters, the timeline/writing style was not an issue. In fact, I think the author does a non-linear timeline fairly well: We received the story with the occasional flashback as background information to understand the world, characters, and events/issues better, which was more digestible for the story than a prequel or novella would be (I imagine).
While I commend the world building, I do feel like this was the main aspect of the entire book—establishing a foundation for further development in the next two books. Consequently, for me personally, the plot was slightly anticlimactic. I think this opinion partially stems from the occasional POV shift, which I am not always a fan of. However, POV change was used majorly for showcasing other characters’ inner thoughts/actions and for foreshadowing. Therefore, I guessed what I would consider to be the cusp of the rising action/climax section several pages before it happened. Nonetheless, I did still enjoy reading the story and do not think this to be a particular issue. Instead, I think the bigger issue would be the lack of action scenes considering the overarching plot is of a rebellion/war. Granted, there was not a lot of fighting in the plot of this installment; I just wished that the one battle that took place was better described, or at least described via “in-the-moment” rather than the protagonist reflecting on the day. Perhaps we will see more of this as the story continues?
While this was not the type of book that would keep me awake through the night until I finished it, I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes the story in book two. Based off where the book was left off, there is definitely potential for the characters to grow—hopefully more dragons!—and the world to further develop, either as our protagonist dreams it or as Grom rules it. I do recommend that people stick through the timeline/POV changes as I think the author may have some interesting, fresh surprises in mind for Dulcea and Krath.
For the book being a debut novel and the first in the series, I think it was really well written and developed. We received, whilst slow especially in the beginning, fairly solid world building in this book, as well as development and insight to the characters. At first, I was hesitant regarding the flashbacks, but after a couple of chapters, the timeline/writing style was not an issue. In fact, I think the author does a non-linear timeline fairly well: We received the story with the occasional flashback as background information to understand the world, characters, and events/issues better, which was more digestible for the story than a prequel or novella would be (I imagine).
While I commend the world building, I do feel like this was the main aspect of the entire book—establishing a foundation for further development in the next two books. Consequently, for me personally, the plot was slightly anticlimactic. I think this opinion partially stems from the occasional POV shift, which I am not always a fan of. However, POV change was used majorly for showcasing other characters’ inner thoughts/actions and for foreshadowing. Therefore, I guessed what I would consider to be the cusp of the rising action/climax section several pages before it happened. Nonetheless, I did still enjoy reading the story and do not think this to be a particular issue. Instead, I think the bigger issue would be the lack of action scenes considering the overarching plot is of a rebellion/war. Granted, there was not a lot of fighting in the plot of this installment; I just wished that the one battle that took place was better described, or at least described via “in-the-moment” rather than the protagonist reflecting on the day. Perhaps we will see more of this as the story continues?
While this was not the type of book that would keep me awake through the night until I finished it, I am looking forward to seeing where the author takes the story in book two. Based off where the book was left off, there is definitely potential for the characters to grow—hopefully more dragons!—and the world to further develop, either as our protagonist dreams it or as Grom rules it. I do recommend that people stick through the timeline/POV changes as I think the author may have some interesting, fresh surprises in mind for Dulcea and Krath.
April 12, 2020
So this book reminded me of a mix of Beauty & the Beast, Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones.
In the first quarter of the story, I was definitely thinking of Beauty & the Beast, except the Beast is a vampire and Belle is an elven enchantress dragon lord army commander. Yep. I definitely like this version better.
But from there, it expands into this epic, super dense world of factions and war. The book really centers on relationship between the two MC's with the war as a backdrop, and the world filled in through a lot flashbacks (a little much for my taste, but this is totally subjective).
This book is Dense in a true Epic Fantasy way. It's obvious a whole lot of love and soul went into building this incredibly detailed world, and there's a lot to learn and soak in. I absolutely LOVED Krath, and was definitely digging the slow-burn romance. He's a complex character with a long history and I loved learning about him along the way.
Overall, I enjoyed reading about Krath & Dulcea, and would recommend the read for lovers of Epic Lord of the Rings style fantasy.
Definitely note that this is not a stand-alone book, and leaves on a mild cliff-hanger for book 2 (which is also out).
Thanks so much to Booksirens for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
In the first quarter of the story, I was definitely thinking of Beauty & the Beast, except the Beast is a vampire and Belle is an elven enchantress dragon lord army commander. Yep. I definitely like this version better.
But from there, it expands into this epic, super dense world of factions and war. The book really centers on relationship between the two MC's with the war as a backdrop, and the world filled in through a lot flashbacks (a little much for my taste, but this is totally subjective).
This book is Dense in a true Epic Fantasy way. It's obvious a whole lot of love and soul went into building this incredibly detailed world, and there's a lot to learn and soak in. I absolutely LOVED Krath, and was definitely digging the slow-burn romance. He's a complex character with a long history and I loved learning about him along the way.
Overall, I enjoyed reading about Krath & Dulcea, and would recommend the read for lovers of Epic Lord of the Rings style fantasy.
Definitely note that this is not a stand-alone book, and leaves on a mild cliff-hanger for book 2 (which is also out).
Thanks so much to Booksirens for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
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